Glencoe Resident Named To Illinois State Police Merit Board

GLENCOE, IL – Governor Bruce Rauner appointed a Glencoe resident to the board overseeing promotion and discipline of the state police last week. CEO of Berlin Packaging and baseball team owner Andrew Berlin was appointed to the Illinois State Police Merit Board (ISPMB) June 2. The merit board for the state police creates and oversees the processes for selecting candidates fairly as well as the promotion and discipline of Illinois State Police officers. The ISPMB's mission is to "remove political influence and provide a fair and equitable merit process," and it also certifies that the superintendent of the Illinois State Highway Police follows the proper standards.

“I am honored to be joining the Illinois State Police Merit Board,” stated Berlin. “As a businessman, entrepreneur, and former practicing lawyer with a passion for the safety and security of our nation, I understand the importance of hiring and engaging the right team-members to accomplish bold missions. I look forward to bringing my experience and passion to the Board and to the Illinois State Police in the coming years.”

For nearly three decades, Andrew Berlin has led Berlin Packaging, growing a company begun by his father from a small distributor to become a $2.3 billion global supplier. In addition to his leadership at Berlin Packaging, Berlin is a partner in the Chicago Cubs and chairman and owner of the South Bend Cubs, a Minor League affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.

Berlin's appointment to the merit board continues his long-standing commitment to law enforcement, public safety, and national security. On a local level, Berlin serves as a Commissioner on the Glencoe Public Safety Commission, which oversees the community’s police and fire departments. He also spearheaded the Glencoe School Safety Project to place School Resource Officers in Glencoe’s middle school. Beyond his contributions to his hometown, he endowed the Andrew Berlin Family National Security Research Fund to support faculty and research at the Institute of National Security and Counterterrorism at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

As a champion of the Illinois State Police, Berlin’s appointment to the Merit Board supplements his previous efforts, including raising funds to support the Illinois State Police Heritage Memorial and producing the Emmy award winning documentary,“Never Forgotten,” which honors fallen officers.

Top photo: Andrew Berlin | Provided